A RETIRED Royal Marine has handed over £800 to Harwich charities.

Jim Wheeler, 72, of Burr Close, Ramsey, walked 200 miles from the Peak District to Hadrian’s Wall in two weeks to raise the cash.

Battling constant rain and high winds, Jim lost half a stone on the strenuous journey.

The money he raised has been given to the mayoral charities, which this year are Long Meadows Mother and Toddler group, Noah’s Nursery, and the Harwich and Dovercourt Pensioners’ Association.

John Thurlow, Harwich Mayor, said: “It was a tremendous job that Jim did and we are very very proud of him."

Despite vowing never to do such a hike again, Jim has still said he will throw himself out of a plane next year in a charity parachute for the mayoral charities.